Maryland

August message by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz: Governor Wes Moore recently announced a new strategy for how Maryland will deploy state resources to improve water quality in our waterways by better aligning our ongoing Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays cleanup efforts with the latest science.

A major study released in May by leading Chesapeake Bay scientists continued to show watershed states struggling to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution – the runoff being washed from our farms, cities, and suburbs. This challenge continues to prevent residents and visitors in parts of our state from having access to clean water. In response, we’re shifting Maryland’s waterway cleanup efforts to more effectively tackle nonpoint source pollution. The associated work will also help build resiliency for communities facing threats from a changing climate. 


Gaithersburg

The 30th Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run, Walk, and Kid’s Fun Runs, as well as a virtual race component, will take place on Saturday, September 2nd from noon until 2pm. The 5K course winds through the Lakelands and Kentlands neighborhoods before heading down Main Street to the finish line. Every 5K registration comes with a Dri-Fit crew neck race shirt (men’s, women’s, and kid’s sizes available). The post-race celebration will feature a Merchant’s Expo area.

Per the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K website: Live entertainment will be featured on the course – local bands set up along the course to delight participants and spectators alike, making what is already a spirited and fun event even livelier. The event finishes with the awards ceremony, team awards (lots of family options), and raffle items donated by local merchants. Cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers.


Burtonsville

It’s almost Back-to-School for the Kiddos so bring them in for a treat! The Greene Turtle in Burtonsville (15660 Old Columbia Pike) is offering a deal in anticipation of the school year beginning. “Kids Eat FREE, EVERY Day, ALL Day from Monday, 8/21 – Monday, 8/28!”(restrictions apply).

Kids Eat Free” is offered Dine-In Only. Receive One Free Kids Meal per Purchased Full Price Adult Meal. Purchased adult meal excludes appetizers, sides and desserts.


Entertainment

Quince Orchard High School Health and Special Education teacher Julie Lyst is going into her 13th year teaching. This year, she’s also heading into the schoool year as one of the popular clothing brand Chubbies’ 2023 Brand Icons.

Chubbies was founded in 2011 by a group of friends who found the traditional world of men’s capital-F-”Fashion” completely unrelatable. “We saw pictures of shirtless men with rippling ab muscles, some standing outside of storefronts coating you with cologne, with the message of “if only you buy our clothes you can try to be as cool as we are” – and we were absolutely repelled.” The clothing brand spent months searching, sorting through thousands of votes, and putting their skills to the test in a real Chubbies photoshoot, and recently announced five winners, that included MoCo’s very own Julie Lyst.


Olney

Stretch Lab is coming to 18304 Village Center Drive in Olney. It will be moving in to the location that was previously home to Sally Beauty Supply and Sunburst Tanning/Solar Planet before that. An opening date is not yet available.

Founded in 2015, StretchLab is an assisted stretching brand, offering one-on-one and group stretch services for all ages and fitness levels. StretchLab offers consumers more ways to reduce their risk of injury, regain mobility, improve flexibility and range of motion, and reclaim their freedom. The company previously announced its first Montgomery County location, coming soon to 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace.


Crime

According to Montgomery County Police, there was a call for an armed robbery that was received at 9:48 p.m. 4th District officers responded to a restaurant in the 3300 block of Georgia Ave. The suspect entered the business and displayed a gun. Employees left the restaurant. No injuries were reported and the suspect is not in custody.

Per our public safety reporter, Cordell Pugh, “At approximately 9:45PM Tuesday, at Five Guys on Georgia Avenue & Olney–Sandy Spring Rd. Armed Male suspect in restaurant wearing ski mask. Montgomery County Police currently on scene investigating as an attempted armed robbery & First-Degree Assault.”


Chevy Chase

Connecticut Ave. was closed in both directions between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. & Dunlop St. in Chevy Chase as the result of downed trees and wires, according to a tweet from Montgomery County Police Tuesday morning. Drivers were advised to seek an alternate route and to expect significant delays. An update provided on Tuesday night by Alert Montgomery states that all lanes have reopened in both directions on Connecticut Ave (MD-185) between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. and Dunlop St.

Featured photo courtesy of @CordellTraffic


Celebrities

Chick Hernandez, a 1981 Blair High School graduate, has announced that he will be joining WUSA9 as the network’s main sports anchor. Hernandez will take over for Darren Haynes who recently decided to accept a Sports Anchor position at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles after six years with WUSA9.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Chick Hernandez, would be joining former Washington players Brian Mitchell and Logan Paulsen as part of the new Preseason 2023 TV Crew. He has continued his work as part of the crew and will wrap up after next week’s final preseason game against Cincinnati Bengals.


Education

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announces the launch of its innovative Attendance Action Plan, “ALL TOGETHER Now: In School Together, Learning Together, Achieving Together.” This multifaceted initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism and promote consistent attendance among students across the district. By implementing data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, MCPS aims to reduce barriers to school attendance and empower students and families.

The Attendance Action Plan is built on a Theory of Action, which states that through a collaborative and data-driven approach, MCPS can effectively tackle chronic absenteeism and create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student attendance, MCPS is also addressing culture and climate issues identified in the MCPS Antiracist System Audit, further emphasizing its commitment to equity and inclusion.


Gaithersburg

Kogi Asian Grill, a fast-casual restaurant that opened in August 2021, has gone dark  at 560 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg Square. Readers informed us that the restaurant was not open in recent days and our calls went unanswered. When we stopped by, the doors were closed and equipment was unplugged (photos below).

Kogi was one of the new additions to the recently renovated Gaithersburg Square shopping center. The restaurant offered Korean/Asian fast-casual restaurant.


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